MURDER CHARGE Nov. trial date set for ex-Harding High coach

The trial date could change later this year.
WARREN -- A Nov. 14 trial date is set -- for now -- for David Jenkins of Warren, whose wife was found strangled in a closet at the couple's home.
The former Harding High School girls basketball coach has pleaded innocent to a murder charge. Jenkins is accused of the May 2004 strangulation of his wife, Deana.
He was back in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court on Monday for a pre-trial hearing before Judge Peter Kontos. Free on a $100,000 bond, Jenkins appeared briefly, dressed in a light gray suit with a black tee shirt.
Jenkins' lawyer, J. Gerald Ingram, noted that he had recently received some case information from the prosecutor's office and needed time to review it.
Also, Ingram said he would need to seek a DNA expert for the case. The speedy trial time limit in the case is Dec. 23 and at some point the defense may waive that deadline.
"I'm just forewarning you, there are some things that are going to take some time," the defense lawyer told the judge.
Jenkins also is to return to court June 13 for another pre-trial hearing.
If convicted, he could face 15 years to life in prison, said Chris Becker, the assistant Trumbull County prosecutor handling the case.
The body of Mrs. Jenkins, 39, was found May 20 in a closet in the couple's Clearwater Street Northwest home. The couple lived in the home with their two children.
She worked at the Trumbull County Child Support Enforcement Agency for 10 years as an enforcement specialist.
Jenkins last coached the varsity girls basketball team during the 2003-04 season. He was the first black head coach of the varsity girls team. He was inducted in 2003 into the Trumbull African American Achievers Hall of Fame.